The OHCHR condemned the recent attacks as heinous, highlighting a broader trend of increased violence against Palestinians.
Reports indicate several injuries, including a raid on a dairy factory, with delivery trucks and homes being set ablaze.
This surge in violence coincides with intensified house demolitions, property seizures, and forced displacement of Palestinians by Israeli settlers and the military, noted OHCHR during a UN briefing in Geneva.
Officials reiterated that Israel’s claimed sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and annexation of parts violates international law, confirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Floods in Gaza
In Gaza, heavy rains flooded hundreds of tents and makeshift shelters on Friday.
“We fear thousands of displaced families are vulnerable to these harsh weather conditions,” stated U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric in a New York briefing.
UN partners are providing shelter support via rapid response teams.
On Thursday, around 1,000 tents were distributed to families in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. From Sunday to Wednesday, partners provided approximately 7,000 blankets to over 1,800 households, 15,000 tarpaulins to over 3,700 households, and winter clothing.
Humanitarian partners emphasize that effective flood prevention requires equipment unavailable in Gaza, such as tools to drain water and remove solid waste and rubble.
Aid articles “blocked in Jordan”
“Millions of urgently needed shelter items are stuck in Jordan, Egypt, and Israel, awaiting clearance to enter Gaza,” continued Dujarric.
“Dire living conditions also increase exposure to explosive ordnance, with children most at risk. Some have been injured collecting firewood; others pitch tents near suspected areas of unexploded devices due to lack of safer options.”
The spokesperson emphasized the necessity for full, sustained opening of existing and additional crossing points, clearance for aid entry, and access to all aid items from the UN and partners.
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